Are Elevated Levels Of Creatinine Kinase A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jul 2016

Question: What does a high test number for Creatine Kinase, Total Serum indicate? How can the alert number of 2447 be reduced? XXXXXXX XXXXXXX email address is " YYYY@YYYY "

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle damage

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Elevated levels of Creatinine kinase is related to muscle damage.
-do you have any other symptoms? Chest pain, muscle weakness, for instance?
-any history of of injury/trauma?
-any other medical problems?medications?
-did the lab mention any components of Creatinine kinase (CK-BB or CK-MB)

Creatinine is a substance found in muscles and tissue including those of heart & brain.
Anything that causes damage to these muscles or tissues releases this Creatinine and the enzyme that metabolizes this (Creatinine kinase) is also concurrently elevated.

This is filtered out by the kidney.

I recommend -
- extra Hydration (if it is not contraindicated by any health issues you may have- certain heart diseases, for instance)
-rest
-treatment as advised by your doctor based on your other symptoms and clinical findings.

The mainstay of treatment is to prevent further muscle damage and to treat the underlying cause of damage.
Hope this helps.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Get back to me with the answers to the above questions.

Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (8 hours later)

Is it possible that an allergic reaction to the blood pressure drug Amlodipine could be a factor in my wife's muscle tissue damage? She has been in several auto accidents, and she has had several serious falls. Could all of this taken together
impact her Creatinine kinase levels?

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

A series of Creatinine kinase (CK) levels (showing an increasing trend) is more reliable than one value to indicate an ongoing muscle damage.

On the other hand this value definitely suggests muscle damage, exactly where in the body and when it occurred (or still occurring) , we would have to investigate.

Accidents and trauma can definitely cause muscle damage and elevated CK levels but if it happened more than a month or so ago, the values shouldn't be so high.

Yes, amlodipine may cause this as a side effect but it is extremely rare and has found to occur when used in combination with other medications like atorvastatin (lipid lowering drugs).
I doubt that amlodipine is the culprit but please mention it to her doctor, just to be sure

I recommend :
-that a follow up value of Creatinine kinase be done to check for an increasing or decreasing trend.
-look for underlying causes of the muscle damagedamage, including trauma related injury
-ensure proper Hydration to wash the kidneys by aiding dilution.
-establish the reason for multiple accidents - any brain related issues (like stroke, muscle weakness, neurological problems, seizures)

Hope I've answered your queries.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Best wishes to both of you

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (26 hours later)

Doctor,
I want to thank you. We will follow up with a doctor, and make use of your
suggestions.

XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you both well

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome sir. I'll be happy to help you with any further queries you may have.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng